Loaded Baked Potato And Chicken Casserole

Introduction:

Looking for a comforting and hearty meal that’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family? Look no further than this irresistible Loaded Baked Potato and Chicken Casserole recipe! Packed with tender chicken, creamy potatoes, savory cheese, crispy bacon, and flavorful seasonings, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this mouthwatering dish in your own kitchen.

Serving:

Allow the Loaded Baked Potato and Chicken Casserole to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

Serve the casserole alongside your favorite side dishes such as a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
This casserole is great for serving at potlucks, family gatherings, or weeknight dinners when you need a satisfying and easy-to-make dish.

Storage:

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated.
You can also freeze the casserole for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it using your preferred method.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Loaded Baked Potato and Chicken Casserole whenever the craving strikes, whether it’s fresh out of the oven or as a convenient leftover meal.

Ingredients:

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped green onions

4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes, cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and half of the crumbled bacon.

In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Pour the butter mixture over the potato and chicken mixture in the large bowl. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon over the top.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

FAQ’s

Q: How long does it take to make Loaded Baked Potato and Chicken Casserole? A: The total time to make this casserole, including prep and baking, is typically around 1 hour.
Q: Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe? A: Yes, leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this casserole recipe. Simply shred or dice it before adding it to the dish.

Q: Can I substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt? A: Yes, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt if you prefer. It will still add creaminess to the dish.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make? A: This recipe yields about 6 servings, depending on portion size.
Q: Can I add additional vegetables to the casserole? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli to customize the dish to your liking.

Q: Should I peel the potatoes before dicing them? A: Yes, it’s recommended to peel the potatoes before dicing them for this recipe.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q: How do I know when the casserole is done baking? A: The casserole is done baking when the potatoes are tender, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: Yes, you can use your favorite cheese or a combination of cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, this Loaded Baked Potato and Chicken Casserole is gluten-free when made with gluten-free ingredients.
Q: Can I make this casserole without bacon? A: Yes, you can omit the bacon or substitute it with cooked ham or turkey bacon if desired.

Q: Can I use frozen diced potatoes instead of fresh? A: While fresh potatoes are recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen diced potatoes in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them before using.
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of cooked chicken? A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Simply cook them beforehand and then shred or dice them for the casserole.
Q: How do I prevent the potatoes from browning? A: To prevent the potatoes from browning, you can place them in a bowl of cold water after peeling and dicing them until ready to use.

Q: Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker? A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Q: Can I add hot sauce for extra flavor? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add hot sauce or your favorite spices to kick up the flavor of the casserole.
Q: Can I use leftover mashed potatoes instead of diced potatoes? A: Yes, leftover mashed potatoes can be used in place of diced potatoes for a slightly different texture.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover casserole for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.
Q: How do I reheat frozen casserole? A: Thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Conclusion:

This Loaded Baked Potato and Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this hearty and flavorful casserole is sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a recipe that you’ll want to make again and again. So why wait? Try it out today and indulge in the irresistible combination of tender chicken, creamy potatoes, gooey cheese, and crispy bacon!